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Isolated Systolic High Blood Pressure

Topic Overview

In isolated systolic high blood pressure (isolated systolic
hypertension, or ISH),
systolic blood pressure is elevated (above 140 mm Hg),
but
diastolic blood pressure stays below 90 mm Hg. This
type of high blood pressure is more common in older adults, especially older
women. In fact, the majority of people older than 60 who have hypertension have
isolated systolic hypertension.

A
systolic blood pressure over 140 mm Hg is an important risk factor for stroke
and heart disease.

ISH can cause damage to organs such as the
kidneys, brain, heart, or eyes. And it should be treated.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medicines that lower blood pressure.

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